How to Transform an Old Trampoline into a Creative Chicken Coop—Your Flock Will Love It!
While doing backyard farming, how about showing some creativity by making a trampoline into a chicken coop? That old trampoline gathering dust can be reborn as a fantastic chicken coop. It’s a win-win!
But how to make DIY Trampoline chicken coop? Start by preparing the frame. Attach wire mesh around the frame for walls. Cut a doorway with a wood frame and secure latch. Repurpose trampoline poles for a frame. Add nesting boxes, perches, deep litter bedding, and food & water containers. And introduce the house to your chickens!
The article will cover the step-by-step process of creating your own DIY trampoline chicken coop. From choosing the right trampoline to adding finishing touches, you’ll have it all!
Table of Contents
Why DIY Trampoline Chicken Coop? 5 Benefits to Note Down!
A DIY trampoline chicken coop offers a surprising number of benefits. Here’s why you should consider this unique coop design.
- Budget-Friendly: Repurposing a trampoline saves you a significant chunk of change compared to buying a brand-new coop. You’re giving new life to something old, minimizing waste.
- Sturdy Shelter: Trampoline frames are built to withstand bouncing bodies, so they provide a strong and stable base for your coop. It handle weather elements and keeps your feathered friends safe.
- Elevated Design: The trampoline’s height offers several advantages. Predators have a harder time accessing the coop, and the air circulation helps prevent moisture buildup. It keeps your chickens healthy.
- Easy Cleaning: The trampoline’s elevation allows you to easily clean underneath. Deep litter bedding simplifies maintenance, and the coop’s overall design makes cleaning more accessible.
- Customization Chance: This DIY project lets you unleash your creativity! You can add nesting boxes on the outside for easier access. Also, create a multi-level coop for more space, or personalize the roof depending on your climate.
How to Build Trampoline Chicken Coop?
Repurposing an old trampoline into a chicken coop is a creative and budget-friendly way. Let’s see how to turn an old trampoline into a chicken coop –
Materials and Tools:
- Trampoline
- Opt for galvanized steel hardware cloth with a smaller mesh size (around ½ inch)
- 2x4s or similar-sized treated wood for framing
- Zip ties, nails, and screws
- Door hinges and latch
- Wood or plastic nesting boxes and sturdy perches for roosting.
- Power tools like drill, and saw (optional)
- Roofing materials (plywood, tarp, shingles)
- Nesting box bedding
- Paint.
Step-by-step Process to Build Trampoline Chicken Coop
Go through the following steps to build a trampoline chicken coop.
#Step 1. Preparation
Ensure the trampoline is large enough for your flock. A bigger trampoline allows for more space for chickens to roam.
Then, Remove the jumping mat and springs, thoroughly clean the frame, and check for any rust or damage.
Sketch a layout considering features like nesting boxes, perches, and the location of the door.
#Step 2. Construction
You can leave the trampoline legs intact for elevation. Or create a wooden base for added stability.
The ventilation system can be an antique gable vent. While all the wood originates from reclaimed materials salvaged from old buildings.
Use lumber to create additional walls around the trampoline frame, extending the height if needed. Secure hardware cloth to the frame and walls using zip ties or staples.
I would say to make a framed opening for a coop door. Consider a smaller pop-hole for egg collection on the opposite side. Ensure proper ventilation with small, predator-proof windows.
Don’t forget to install nesting boxes on the interior walls. And be sure you’re placing them at a comfortable height for chickens. Add sturdy perches for roosting.
#Step 3. Safety and Comfort
Ensure the coop’s structural integrity and provide optimal protection against wind, snow, and potential predators. Consider reinforcing the frame with additional support elements
Providing Proper Ventilation and Insulation. Chicken coops need good air circulation to prevent moisture build-up. Consider mesh panels or screened vents. Providing shade in summer and protection from wind in winter is beneficial.
Hardware cloth is key, but burying the coop perimeter with additional wire mesh deter digging predators.
#Step 4. Finishing Touches
Give your coop a personal touch with a coat of paint. Opt for coop-safe, weatherproof paint.
Provide a dust bath area with loose soil and create a shaded run with fencing for chickens to roam safely. Ensure all hardware is secure, nesting boxes have proper bedding and water and feeder access is convenient.
However, the following video is a perfect example of a DIY Trampoline Chicken Coop.
Note: The entire process of making the chicken coop with old Trampoline is from a general point of view. Make your one based on the number of flocks.
13 Things to Consider When Making Trampoline Chicken Coop
When creating a trampoline chicken coop, there are several important factors to keep in mind. Let’s check them out!
- Design a coop with a large door for easy cleaning of the interior.
- Allocate 4 square feet per chicken inside the coop, with more space for an open coop design.
- It’s better to make 2-section arches and a 4X8 section of the corrugated aluminum.
- Choose a dry, sunny area with some shade for your coop.
- Sew nylon socks together to cover the trampoline surface to protect them from rain and predators.
- Add insulation to the coop walls for colder climates.
- Use ½ inch zinc-coated steel wire and bury additional mesh around the perimeter to deter digging animals.
- Prevent respiratory problems by incorporating mesh panels for fresh air circulation.
- Provide 1 nesting box per 3-4 chickens and elevated perches for roosting.
- The frame should be sturdy and rust-free.
- Reinforce the frame with support beams, especially for high walls.
- Place feeders and waterers inside the coop.
- Choose a well-drained area with shade and protection from harsh weather.
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FAQs
Queries still in mind? Here are more answers to your questions related to Trampoline chicken coop.
Q. Do chickens like trampolines?
No, chickens prefer solid ground for scratching and running. But they’ll love it when get habituated.
Q. Is a trampoline coop suitable for all climates?
No, extreme temperatures is dangerous for chickens in a trampoline coop with limited insulation.
Q. How many chickens you can keep in a trampoline coop house?
Depends on size, but generally less than in a traditional coop due to the weight limitations of the trampoline frame.
Q. Is a trampoline coop easy to clean?
It’s not that easy to clean underneath compared to traditional coops. Droppings can still accumulate on the mesh.
Q. Can I modify the trampoline coop design?
Yes, but modifications should ensure the safety of chickens and proper ventilation.
Conclusion
Turning an old trampoline into a chicken coop is a cheap way to make a home for your backyard chickens. You can do it by using simple steps and things you already have. First, use the trampoline frame and add wire walls. Then, add nesting boxes and perches. Make sure the coop has enough air, warmth, and safety from predators.
Remember to consider factors like ventilation, insulation, and predator protection to ensure comfort. With some creativity and resourcefulness, you can turn an unused trampoline into a charming home for your flock.
